resiliencenoun | re·sil·ience | \ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s\1. the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens2. the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.

— http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilience

Spring has finally sprung here in Ottawa and I got to do a bit of yard work today. While raking some of last year's leaves I noticed a sea of blue spring flowers on the side of our backyard. I walked closer to give them a closer look and what I noticed is that some of them are actually sprucing through the dried leaves! Well, if that is not resilience then I don't know what is.

Using the Merriam Webster definition of the word "resilience" it is clear to see that, in nature as in life, resilience is often one of the most important qualities to possess. So here is to resilience - today, tomorrow and always.

Today I worked on a little project that combines my love of books with my love of letterpress. What better way to bring these two together than in a form of a bookmark!

Seems that physical books are becoming more and more overlooked and devalued these days. For me however, no Kobo reader will ever be able to replace the beauty of holding a book in my hands and flipping through its pages in that real tangible way.

This bookmark was printed on my antique printing press, the Golding Pearl Improved No.11, using metal ornaments that were set by hand. No ink was used during the printing process, which resulted in a beautiful and delicate blind deboss.

Seventeen members of The Canadian Collective, including Impressus, are taking part in a wonderful giveaway. The lucky winner will be gifted with a beautiful assortment of handmade and vintage items, as pictured below, which were donated by such talented artisans.

Here is a 'behind the scenes' look into my creative space. It is close quarters, but I was able to maximize the space I have and create a studio that works for me.

A desk with a computer and enough space for trimming paper and scoring cards is a must.

I also have a little station that I use for setting and locking type or when working with polymer plates. This is also where I store my printing supplies.

And then there is my favourite corner of the room where my beautiful Golding Pearl Improved No. 11 stands proudly. She is very size-efficient when it comes to how much space she actually occupies, but don't be fooled, she still weighs over 700 lbs!

And then there is anything from inks and metal type to books and inspiring prints.

I really like seeing the spaces that other artists use for their creative processes and I hope you also enjoyed this tour of my little print studio. And although I daydream of having a larger and better lit space, I love this room with all my heart.

impressus is now a proud member of The Canadian Collective, an Etsy seller support group and community of wonderful and tremendously talented Canadian artisans.

The Canadian Collective has recently launched a new monthly feature on their blog called "In the Spotlight". The star of January's edition was Kathleen Maunder from Trowel and Paintbrush, a watercolour artist from Montreal. Check out The Canadian Collective's website to read up on Kathleen's creative process and to find out more about this fantastic group.

I have something exciting to share. My Maya Angelou wood veneer print and my music notes card are now featured on The Beauty of Letterpress!I am so happy that my work can be found in their gallery of letterpress goodness, alongside so many amazing and talented printers.

impressus can also now be found in The Beauty of Letterpress directory of printers. It may not be clear from the image below, but the banner up top says: Letterpress Printers - Artisans with a true passion for tactile printing.

Before I had my own press, I came across images of letterpress printed wood veneer items. They looked so original and different. That is when I realized that letterpress printing does not have to be limited to using paper as the printer's 'canvass'. Printing on wood veneer seemed like such a brilliant idea!

Now that I am able to print myself, I love using wood veneer for my prints. I get my veneer sheets from Lee Valley and they have a number of options to choose from. The fact that you can get veneer in different colours and textures makes the brainstorming of project ideas even more fun.

Below are few examples of my projects featuring wood veneer:

Wood veneer is much more forgiving than cotton paper when it comes to even impression. It also has this charming rustic feel and could be used in many projects, from business cards to wedding invitations. Definitely one of my recent favourites.

As a lot of us are today, I am also reflecting back on this year that is about to end. And what a year this has been! I took a letterpress workshop in March, acquired my own press in July, and for the past few months invested all of my energy into shaping and designing my dream...which I named Impressus.

I created my website and designed and printed my business cards. I learned a lot about branding, networking and entrepreneurship...and I have so much more to learn. I also participated in my first craft shows this Christmas and experienced for myself how amazing the handmade community is.

2014 has been good to me and I have so many plans and aspirations for 2015. I want to keep this momentum going and, yes... I plan to aim for the stars! I also know that none of those dreams will come true on their own. Working hard and dreaming big is the key to success, whatever that success might be. Here is to the New Year!

Maya Angelou has always been one of my heroes. I was heartbroken when I learned of her passing few months ago now. Luckily, she left us with her amazing body of work and numerous quotes, like this one, which inspire us to always look forward and strive for more.

I printed this quote using 100% cotton paper and a photopolymer plate. No ink was used during the printing process, which resulted in a delicate blind impression.

impressus is now listed on We {heart} letterpress! This is a great new website for both letterpress printers and lovers alike. It features self-completed interviews with letterpress printers across the globe as well as an international printers' registry.